How in the world can I kill wild African violets?

Linda lisk
by Linda lisk

Help! Wild African violets have taken over my yard and gravel walk. . There must be something that I can do. Don't say pull them up as there are too many and I am 76 although a young 76, just not that young. Thanks

  7 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 18, 2019

    Give them a bath of boiling water. If you have a grill, use the grill to get the water hot. Tea kettle works, as well.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Apr 18, 2019

    Vinegar and salt.

  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 18, 2019

    why would you want to kill them? let them bloom since mowing season will soon be here. we have killed off so many wildflowers that soon there will be none left for future generations to enjoy!! no, I am not a tree hugger but I do believe all the pesticides are doing us harm. they are beautiful flowers!

    • Linda lisk Linda lisk on Apr 19, 2019

      Thanks but the yard doesn't bother me as much but I have a gravel section and walkway that is being taken over and I need to get rid of them there as you can't mow that.

  • Ginnyd Ginnyd on Apr 19, 2019

    First, they are not "African" violets. (those are indoor plants with very fuzzy leaves). The wild violets spread by seed and by rhizomes. (Double wammy!) Best bet is to contact your county's extension service for suggestions.

    Repeated weekly treatments over 3 weeks with a weed killer that is specifically for violets has been suggested on the web.


  • Boiling water or vinegar will work. Almost free and easy.

  • Kathy Kathy on Apr 19, 2019

    Mix 1 cup epsom salt, 1 gallon white vinegar and Some dish detergent, half a cup or so. This will kill anything in your yard. I just did this to get rid of all the weeds and I couldn’t believe it worked!

  • Linda lisk Linda lisk on Apr 19, 2019

    Thanks Kathy